The Warrior King

Eighteen

Brielle and I sat opposite each other, looking out the same window. We first passed through the main market. There were four long rows of merchants lining the road with everything from chickens to silk. Some had beautiful handmade furniture while others held fresh fruit and vegetables, probably from the farmers in the Wheat District who strictly sold at markets.

Marko had a standing contract with most of the royals in the kingdom of Miel, negotiated by his great great grandfather. Almost everyday a different caravan arrived. Usually, they had one, sometimes two large enclosed carriages lined with blocks of ice to help preserve the delicate fruits and vegetables. Heartier items, like potatoes, wheat, rice, etc., would be loaded into wagons and covered with heavy tarps. Marko was meticulous in making sure each order was filled correctly. His reputation for quality products at a fair price kept his items in demand. He drilled his procedures into his sons and even Brielle and I knew them well enough to help out on large order days. 

After we passed through the market, the area became filled with buildings. Shelby told us some were second homes owned by members of the court who came and stayed for extended periods of time. Others were businesses, like blacksmith and clothiers. There were also inns where travelers passing through could stay for a night. The buildings were all neatly lined up, with matching window boxes of pretty flowers. There were men, women, and children out and about and when our carriage passed by they stopped and stared.

“I’m guessing word has gotten out that we are going to have a new queen,” Brielle said wryly. 

“Looks that way,” Shelby said, peering out. “That is a pretty hard thing to keep a secret.” My stomach turned at the thought of me being part of something so big it made people stop and stare.

“Are you ok?” Brielle asked, reaching over and taking my hand. I gave it a squeeze and nodded.

“My mind is just having a hard time processing that this is not a dream,” I said. 

“Hell no! If this were a dream, we would both be marrying kings,” Briella said, laughing. I laughed along with her and my anxiety seemed to lessen.

“Look,” Shelby said, pointing out the window. “We are about to pass through the inner gates and into the courtyard of Castle de Helm.” We stared out at the beautiful gleaming white stone wall surrounding the castle. As we passed through the inner gates, we saw how thick the wall around the castle was, as thick as three carriages. We entered into the courtyard, lush and green, lined with fruit trees and shrubs shaped like wolves. The bricks that lined the roadway in the courtyard were deep red and white gravel was spread between the bricks and the greenery. Everything had a pristine appearance, despite the massive size. When I commented on it, Shelby informed us that the entire population of the Iron District could fit into the courtyard. 

Above us loomed Castle de Helm, shining with the same white stone as the inner walls. I tried counting the turrets but lost track after twelve. Flags of gold and purple flew from each peak and banners with the Warrior King’s coat of arms hung from every window. The colors were magnificent against the white backdrop of the castle and the radiant blue sky. In front of the castle, were roughly thirty wide and deep steps. Standing at the bottom was a woman dressed in all white. The bottom of her dress was trimmed in purple and on her chest was an embroidered wolf head done in gold thread. Her dark hair was pinned back into a bun and she had a smile on her face. She did not look to be much older than Brielle and me. 

“Oh good, I was hoping she would come and meet us,” Shelby said sticking her arm out of the carriage and waving at the woman. The woman gave an excited wave back.

“Who is she?” I asked.

“Your future sister-in-law, Lady Sarah de Helm. She is married to Tristan’s brother, Keaton, who is also Chamberlain of the Iron District,” Shelby answered. “You will like Sarah. She has been in your place before and will be a great asset to you.” I felt a little hope swell in my chest at the thought of an ally in the castle. 

As we came to a stop in front of Lady de Helm, the footmen jumped down and opened the carriage door.

“After you,” Shelby said, indicating for me to go first. I took a deep breath and took a step out of the carriage...only to find I didn't have quite the command of my legs as I had hoped. I felt myself falling to the ground when two arms reached out and caught me. We both landed on the ground, although since we cushioned each other’s fall, I don't think either of us was injured.

“I’m so sorry, I'm so sorry,” was all I could say over and over. A gentle laugh rang in my ears and I saw that it was the Lady herself who had tried to help me. “Holy Mother of Miel, I am so so sorry Lady de Helm,” I apologized, scrambling to untangle us.

“Please don't worry,” she said with a smile as the footmen helped us up. ”You’ve already done better than my entrance here. And call me Sarah. We are going to be related soon.” She dusted off her dress and then embraced me in a warm hug.

“Thank you and I truly am very sorry,” I said, hugging her back. When we pulled apart, I introduced her to Brielle, who also received a hug. 

“Well, let's show you to where you each will be staying,” Sarah said, motioning us to follow her.

“Oh, are we not staying together?” Brielle asked. Sarah shook her head.

“No, well I mean you could at some point, but we have prepared quarters for each of you. When Sasha becomes queen, she will use the queen’s apartment which is adjacent to the royal suite, but for now, we've made up the room for you across from Tristan’s at his request,” she explained.

“Across from his room?” Shelby inquired with a raised eyebrow. Sarah grinned.

“I thought that would get your attention. You can take it up with him if you like,” Sarah said.

”I just might,” Shelby said, hands on her hips.

“Worried about a midnight rendezvous?” Brielle teased bumping me with her hip. I blushed.

“I can assure you there will be no midnight, or any other time, rendezvous,” I said firmly. Brielle smirked and I bumped her back.

?What?” I asked.

“I saw the way you looked at each other. The man was ready to mate you the second he laid eyes on you. Good luck telling him no,” she responded and then took off up the stairs after Sarah. As I climbed the stairs after them, I wondered if there was any truth in Brielle’s statement. I did love the way Tristan's eyes turned black when we kissed and every fiber of my being craved his touch. I would have to be careful of how I navigated the next three months.